The shortlist for the 2014 Sony World Photography Awards has been announced, recognising some of the most exciting talent in the world of contemporary photography

All scenes were taken in early 2013. This year i had the pleasure to join the pilgrims and devotees of the Maha Kumbh Mela - the largest spiritual gathering on the planet, held every 12 years. Furthermore i travelled different parts of Indonesia and South-India to complete my buffalo race-catalogue. An impressive trip to the javanese miners of Kawah Ijen and other familiar insights was another highlight..

The shortlist for the Sony World Photography Awards has been announced, including 25 British photographers across the Professional, Open and Youth competitions.

Five British photographers have been nominated in various categories in the Professional competition, including Getty photojournalist Dan Kitwood, recent Taylor Wessing prize recipient Spencer Murphy and war photographer Guy Martin.

An enormous amount of terrific photography has been assembled from a diverse range of categories and topics.We’ve selected just a few of our personal favourites to whet your appetite for the winners’ announcement on April 30:

All the UK shortlisted and finalist images will go on show at Somerset House, London, from 1-18 May as part of the 2014 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition. Tickets are now available at www.worldphoto.org/2014exhibition.